Tuesday 15 November 2016

Review: Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton (1991)

Edward trying to eat a pea  - Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton (1991) 
Edward Scissorhands (1991) was created by Tim Burton, and the production designed by Bo Welch. Edward Scissorhands has an extreme personal feel to it. It is told in a caring and soft way about Edward, an outsider to the rest of the town and the town soon warm to him and his charm. The film includes an almost 'German Expressionist' mansion on top of the hill of a colourful, retro, suburban American town, in which all of the husbands go to work at the exact same time, driving the same car. The European looking mansion could almost be compared to a 'Caligari' style, due to it's abstract, dark, black and white look. 
The film focuses on the idea of conformity and how outsiders get attacked by the mainstream. The idea of Edward, an outsider dressed in a full black leather suit, along with black messy hair and sharp scissors for hands, being placed into this unfamiliar 'mainstream' world is relatable to the audience, and familiar to Burton. He gets introduced to this society by the 'Avon' lady Peg, who visited the mansion as a last resort, desperate to get a sale. Initially, the housewives are intrigued and in awe at Edwards talents in cutting hedges, dog hair, and haircuts and constantly ask him for favours. Although as the film continues, Edward starts to get pushed away, everything seems to go wrong for him, and the neighbours are unwilling to understand his struggles. ''Initially, the neighbours are intrigued and friendly and amazed by Edwards talents. But as they get to know him - and as he falls for Peg's doe-eyed daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) - lust, avarice and jealousy blossom darkly.'' (Lee, 2014). His story, told in pieces throughout the movie, is a touching one, as he was creating by a scientist who died before finishing Edward, leaving him with scissors for hands. His face is covered in scars due to this, and he seems to destroy everything he touches. ''The neighbours in this suburb are insatiably curious, led by a nosy neighbour named Joyce (Kathy Baker). The movie then develops into a series of situations that seem inspired by silent comedy, as when Edward tries to pick up a pea.'' (Ebert, 1990).
Throughout the film, the idea of the mainstream containing a group of people that all look the same is extremely apparent. The way in which society today has the ability to make you feel unique, while buying the exact same product as everyone else is played upon in the set design, the period in which it is set, and the cars that all of the husbands drive. The complete irony of a company selling a fridge in 10 different colours to personalise and make you unique, even when everyone is buying that same fridge, is broadly explored. 

The Suburban street - Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton (1991)
The time period in which the movie is set seems to be all over the place. It includes ideologies and visuals relevant to 1960's America, yet, Kim, her boyfriend and their group of friends have very modern attitudes, found more in the 1990's and 2000's. Not to mention that the mansion also looks very 'Victorian' and old. 

Edwards Mansion - Edward Scissorhands by Tim Burton (1991)

BIBLOGRAPHY:

1. Lee, M (2014) Edward Scissorhands, review 'A true fairytale', Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/11298442/Edward-Scissorhands-review-a-true-fairytale.html (Accessed: 15 November 2016)


2. Ebert, R, (1990) Edward Scissorhands movie review (1990) Directed by Tim Burton, Available at: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/edward-scissorhands-1990 (Accessed 15 November 2016)

ILLUSTRATION LIST:

1. Omega, R.H, (2012) Edward Scissorhands, Available at: https://nairmybrain.com/2012/05/31/edward-scissorhands/ (Accessed: 15 November 2016).


2. Kimes, S, and profile, V. my complete (2011) Are the outcase ever truly welcome? (Edward Scissorhands, 1990) Available at: http://bloggingmoviesrus.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/are-outcast-ever-truly-welcome.html (Accessed: 15 November 2016). 

3. (No Date) Available at: http://www.bigthoughtsfromasmallmind.com/2012/04/scene-stealer-edward-scissorhands.html (Accessed: 15 November 2016)

1 comment:

  1. Hi Polly,

    You have discussed the idea of the irony consumerism well here... :)
    Your bibliography is now formatted correctly, but you should organize it alphabetically by the author's surname, so Ebert first, followed by Lee.
    Also, make sure that you italicize both the quotes and the film names.

    ReplyDelete